Structure for salvaging sunken ships

ABSTRACT

An improved apparatus for salvaging sunken vessels in the form of an arrangement is shown in which a pair of support vessels mount a plurality of pivotally connected transoms with grappling structures suspended therefrom, each grappling structure being comprised of a plurality of pivotally mounted arms each of which are adapted to be independently or simultaneously pivoted to varying positions to insure a positive grip on a sunken hull for the purpose of elevating the same.

Sttes tet 1 finite riggs STRUCTURE FOR SALVAGING SUNKEN SHIPS [22] Filed: Sept. 13, 1972 [21] Appl. No.: 288,571

[52] US. Cl i. 114/51, 212/3, 294/112 [51] Int. Cl. B63c 7/02 [58] Field of Search 114/51, 69; 294/112, 111, 294/106; 212/3, 77, 81, 84, 83, 89

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,232,564 2/1941 Schwarz et al 114/51 928,536 7/1909 Pino I 114/51 2,390,654 12/1945 Kittinger 114/51 2,397,210 3/1946 Schramm l 114/51 [451 Apr. 36, 1974 Primary ExaminerAlbert J. Makay Assistant Examiner-Donald W. Underwood Attorney, Agent, or FirmSchroeder Siegfried Ryan and Vidas ABSTRACT An improved apparatus for salvaging sunken vessels in the form of an arrangement is shown in which a pair of support vessels mount a plurality of pivotally connected transoms with grappling structures suspended therefrom, each grappling structure being comprised of a plurality of pivotally mounted arms each of which are adapted to be independently or simultaneously pivoted to varying positions to insure a positive grip on a sunken hull for the purpose of elevating the same.

7 Claims, 6 Drawing Figures PATENTEW 30 B74 sum 2 OF 2 FIG, 5,

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STRUCTURE FOR SALVAGING SUNKEN SHIPS My invention relates to apparatus for salvaging sunken ships and more particularly to an improved structure for gripping, holding and raising sunken ships from the bottom of a water body and supporting the same.

In the past it has been old and recognized to combine or utilize various structures for raising or salvaging sunken vessels. These have included grapple structures in the form of single grappling arms which are adapted to be secured to structures on the vessel or to encircle the hull for the purpose of raising the same. Other structures included floatation apparatus adapted to be connected to a sunken vessel or portions thereof for the purposes of raising the same. None have proved completely feasible from the standpoint of being effective to raise large structures and in particular to structures which were broken and damaged or in varying positions on the bottom beneath the waters surface. This is particularly true where the vessel hulls were partially buried with shifting of the bottom surface or with underground vegetation around the same.

The present invention is to provide an improved structure for salvaging sunken ships in the form of a plurality of grappling structures suspended from between two support vessels or from transoms interconnected between the same. The grappling structures include individual grappling arms capable of being pivoted on a frame to encircle a portion of the hull of the vessel and pivoted in varying locations with respect to arms on the same frame to securely grasp a vessel at a number of points. The individual arms are designed for manipulation and lifting through cable means guided on the transom structures and connected to the winches carried by the support vessels to effectively raise a vessel hull from the bottom surface for the purpose of salvaging the same. The improved structure includes means for pivoting the arms through a separate cable mechanism with the arms being selectively and simultaneously operable and with a second cable system being effective to close the arms on a vessel and raise the same through raising of the entire grappling frame with the arms surrounding the vessel.

It is therefore an object of this invention to provide an improved structure to secure, grip and raise a vessel in salvaging operations.

Another object of this invention is to provide an improved structure of this type in which the individual grappling arms in a set may be individually manipulated.

A further object of this invention is to provide an improved structure of this type in which the grappling arms of each set may be pivoted to various angular positions to grip and hold a submerged vessel.

A still further object of this invention is to provide a structure of this type which includes a plurality of sets of grappling arms and in which the individual arms of each set may be manipulated relative to a frame holding the sets of arms and the frame itself may be tilted with respect to the supporting transom structure to facilitate gripping, holding and raising of sunken vessels.

A still further object of this invention is to provide a structure of this type in which the transom and frame include a plurality of channels with pulleys therein for guiding the individual cable systems from the grappling arms to prevent interference with the cables and permit manipulation of the individual arms.

These and other objects of this invention will become apparent from a reading of the attached description together with the drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the improved structure for salvaging ships;

FIG. 2 is an elevation view of the structure of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an end elevation view of a grappling structure and support transom showing one position of manipulation of the grappling arms thereon with parts broken away;

FIG. 4 is an end view of the grappling structure similar to FIG. 3 showing another position of the grappling arms;

FIG. 5 is a sectional view of the transom structure taken along the lines 5--5 in FIG. 2; and

FIG. 6 is an end view of the grappling structure taken along the lines 66 in FIG. 3.

My invention in an apparatus for salvaging sunken vessels is shown schematically in FIGS. 1 and 2. This apparatus is adapted to be connected to and mounted on a pair of support vessels, indicated generally at 10 and 20, each of which may take any form and include a normal propulsion unit for moving a sunken vessel after it is raised to a point of salvage and in addition supporting and supplying motive power to the salvaging apparatus, as will be hereinafter defined. Thus as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the support vessels l0 and have positioned thereon a plurality of transom structures, indicated generally at 30, each of which are identical in form. In the drawings, four such structures are shown connected to and extending between the support vessels l0 and 20. Each of the vessels have suitable raised turret structures on their super structure which pivotally mount one end of each transom and these are positioned in spaced parallel relationship.

Thus, relative movement between the support vessels l0 and 20 in the transporting or locating of sunken vessels causes the transoms interconnecting the two to be pivotally moved on their turret structures 40, such as is shown in the Weinreich US. Pat. No., 1,807,362, dated May 26, 1931, and entitled LIFTING DEVICE, which raise the transoms above the hulls of the support vessels and permit pivotal movement of the same thereon to maintain the spaced parallel relationship and provide for maneuverability and mobility of the vessels. Each of the support vessels contain suitable power sources (not shown) which are adapted to operate a plurality of winches, indicated generally at 50, mounted on the respective support vessels. The transom structures which extend above and between the support vessels each support a grappling structure, or mechanism indicated generally at 60, the grappling structures being suspended from the transoms by means of a plurality of spaced cables defining sets of cables, indicated generally at 70, which extend through roller guide means on the transoms and along the extent of the same to the plurality of winches 50 positioned on the support vessels adjacent the ends of the respective transom structures. As will be hereinafter noted, the transoms each have a plurality of winches associated therewith or a master winch with a plurality of winch drums each having selectively operable clutches and brakes so that individual cables of the sets 70, may be operated independent of one another or as a group. The grappling structure 60 which is identical for each of the transoms has a support frame 80 which mounts a plurality of grappling arms 85 and 86 mounted thereon.

As will be seen in FIGS. 3 and 4, and for explanation purposes, the supportframe 80 mounts a set of grappling arms, shown as 4 in number at each end of the support frame 80 each of which are pivotally mounted on the support frame through joumaling means such as indicated by pins or axles 87, 88, respectively, so that each arm of the group may be moved independently of one another and the arms on each end of the frame may be moved independently of one another. The grappling arms have a curved extremity, such as is indicated at 95 and 96, for the plurality of arms 85, 86 with a straight body portion terminating in a transversely extending part 97, 98 and with diagonally supporting braces 99, 100 connected at the end of the transversely extending portion and back to the main body of the arm to define a transversely extending end section or flange member substantially normal to the straight body portion and at the opposite end or extremity of the arms from the curved extremities 95, 96. The individual arms are pivotally mounted on the frame members 80 through the pivot axles 87, 88 at the ends of the same and in spaced parallel relationship so that the individual arms may be operated independently of one another. The pivot axis for the arms on the frame are intermediate the curved and transversely extending extremities or flange members of the arms and the grappling arms have flange mounted pulley members 107, 108, respectively, mounted on the curved portion with similar pivotally flange mounted pulley members 105, 106 at the flanged extremity 97, 98 or on the flange members of the grappling arms. Each of the arm members 95, 96 at the ends of the support frames 80 for the respective grappling structures on each of the transoms 30 are adapted to pivotally move thereon through movement of cables, indicated generally at 70, which extend to the respective pulleys 105 108 on either side of the pivot point for the purpose of pivoting the arms on the support frame to open or close the respective jaw type grappling structure and to raise the same relative to the transom. Thus, a separate cable in the system or set of cables 70, such as is indicated at 70c and 70d, extend from the pulleys 107, 108 into the transom structure and are guided through pulleys therein indicated generally at 10b and in recessed or channel surfaces ll2b therein along the extent of the transoms and to the winches mounted at either end of the same on the support vessels l and 20. The same structure is provided for each of the grappling arms 95, 96 at each end of the support frame 80 for each grappling structure. Similarly, cables 70a, 70b of the system are threaded over the pulleys 105, 106 at the opposite end adjacent the curved extremities of the grappling arms. These cables are similarly directed through upper pulleys 1 a in the respective recesses 1 12a, which are separated from the cables on the lower pulleys 110b by channel members 113 as will be best seen in FIGS. 2 and 5 for each of the arms in the transom and to winches 50 mounted on the vessels. Upon drawing up on the cables 70a or 70b or both, the jaws of the grappling structure will be closed as indicated in FIG. 2. Simultaneous with the shortening of the cables 70a and 70b through the winches associated therewith, a release of the cables 70c and 70d attached to the pulleys 107 108 on the curved extremities 95, 96 of the respective grappling arms is required to allow the closing pivotal movement. Through the control of the winches, the same operation for the cables of each of the grappling arms may be made to take place in the opposite directions so that all of the arms will open simultaneously for the grappling structure as seen in FIG. 2. Similarly by lengthening or lowering the respective cables a, 70c or 70b, 70d the entire grappling structure may be tilted, as indicated in FIG. 4, relative to the support transom. In addition, as will be well recognized, one set of cables for the entire grappling structure may be lengthened relative to another grappling structure while others are shortened to vary the height of the respective grappling structures relative to the supporting transoms along the extent of the support vessels for the purpose of encircling a hull of a sunken vessel on the bottom in .the event that the bottom terrain is not level. Similarly, through manipulation of the cables one set of arms similarly may be pivoted as a set on one end of the support frame of a grappling structure to a greater degree than another to aid in encircling a vessel or, as indicated in FIG. 4, certain of the arms therein may be pivoted more than another for the purpose of encircling a portion of a sunken vessel to insure a positive grip on the same before elevating the vessel from the bottom through shortening of the cables by operation of the winches on the supporting vessels 10, 20.

Thus in a salvaging operation, the support vessels 10 and 20 are brought into proximity over the bottom where a sunken vessel hull is'located and the respective grappling mechanisms suspended from each transom are lowered into the water by operation of the respective winches. Each are opened by independent operation of the sets of cables 70a, 70b, 70c or 70d for each of the arms in each of the sets so that the grappling structure may be opened, as indicated in FIG. 3, and positioned over the sunken hull (see FIG. 1). In many instances, these hulls are located in a condition wherein the hull is tipped on its side, partially buried in the mud or debris and depending upon the bottom terrain may be at an angle to the horizontal. By respectively adjusting the grappling structures or the suspension of the same from the transoms, the same may be placed over portions of the hull and spaced along the extent of the same wherein they will not interfer with any super structure remaining and such that the individual arms when they are pivoted may securely grasp the hull. Because of irregularities on the bottom surface, damage to hulls, irregularities in shapes and the like, the individual arms of each grappling structure may be pivoted to a point where they will positively encircle or engage the hull and securely grasp the same so that the same may be elevated. Under circumstances where obstructions occur, an individual arm may not be pivoted into position until after the hull has cleared the bottom at which point the individual grappling arm may then be brought into relationship with the others to securely grip the hull. Elevation of the cables 70a and 70b will effectively close the pivoting arms or pivot the same on the frame structure and this may be done individually or simultaneously. At thesame time the cable 700 and 70d will be loosened to allow the pivotal movement. When the hull of the sunken vessel is securely engaged and held in the individual grappling structures at each transom, simultaneous operation of all of the winches will allow for positive lifting of a large vessel which will be securely held in the grappling structures and elevated to a position near the surface so that the support vessels may then transport the same to a point of salvage. The improved apparatus for salvaging ships provides a grappling structure or structures for engaging a hull at a plurality of points and at a plurality of elevations or variations in contour, breakage in hulls or the like so that positive grip on the hull may be obtained for elevating the same. The improved structure enables the raising of sunken vessels heretofore not available because of inadequacies in grappling equipment, and the inability to positively secure the remaining portion of a hull by a grappling means so that the same could be elevated.

Therefore in considering this invention it should be remembered that the present disclosure is illustrative only and the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

l. A structure for salvaging sunken ships comprising, a pair of support vessels, a plurality of transom structures connected between the support vessels in spaced parallel relationship, means pivotally connecting the transom structures at each end respectively on said pair of support vessels to pivot thereon in spaced parallel relationship, a grapple structure adapted to be suspended from each transom structure through cable means, said grapple structure including a support frame having a plurality of curved grappling arms pivotally mounted on each end of said support frame in spaced side-by-side relationship, a first set of cables included in said cable means and connected respectively to each of said arms to pivot the same on said support frame, and a second set of cables included in said cable means connected respectively to the grapple structure and adapted to raise and lower the support frame with the grapple arms thereon relative to the transom structure, said arms being curved at one extremity and including a transversely extending flange member at the other extremity with a pivot point on the arms mounting the arms on the support frame intermediate along their extent and with the arms having pulley members mounted on the flange members and on the curved portions of the arms and in which the cable of each set of cables are positioned respectively around the same.

2. The structure for salvaging sunken ships of claim 1 in which the grappling arms of the grapple structure are jointly and severably pivotable on said support frame.

3. The structure for salvaging sunken ships of claim 1 in which the transom includes pulley means thereon for guiding the cable from the arms of the grappling structure to the support vessels on each end of said transom.

4. The structure for salvaging sunken ships of claim 1 and including winch means positioned on each of the support vessels having a plurality of winch drums, one for each cable, for operating the cables of the first and second set.

5. The structure for salvaging sunken ships of claim 1 in which the second set of cables are connected to the grappling arms on the opposite side of the pivot point from the cable of the first set.

6. The structure for salvaging sunken ships of claim 1 and including winch means positioned on said support vessels for individual cables in each set with the cables of the second set being adapted to primarily hold and raise said grappling structure with the cables of the first set being adapted to pivot the grappling arms of the grapple structure.

7. The structure for salvaging sunken ships of claim 4 in which the transom means include a plurality of spaced parallel channels having pulley means therein with cables from each grappling arm being directed over pulley means in said separate channels and with the pulley means being spaced apart the same spacing as the respective arms in the support frame of the grappling structure associated with each transom structure. 

1. A structure for salvaging sunken ships comprising, a pair of support vessels, a plurality of transom structures connected between the support vessels in spaced parallel relationship, means pivotally connecting the transom structures at each end respectively on said pair of support vessels to pivot thereon in spaced parallel relationship, a grapple structure adapted to be suspended from each transom structure through cable means, said grapple structure including a support frame having a plurality of curved grappling arms pivotally mounted on each end of said support frame in spaced side-by-side relationship, a first set of cables included in said cable means and connected respectively to each of said arms to pivot the same on said support frame, and a second set of cables included in said cable means connected respectively to the grapple structure and adapted to raise and lower the support frame with the grapple arms thereon relative to the transom structure, said arms being curved at one extremity and including a transversely extending flange member at the other extremity with a pivot point on the arms mounting the arms on the support frame intermediate along their extent and with the arms having pulley members mounted on the flange members and on the curved portions of the arms and in which the cable of each set of cables are positioned respectively around the same.
 2. The structure for salvaging sunken ships of claim 1 in which the grappling arms of the grapple structure are jointly and severably pivotable on said support frame.
 3. The structure for salvaging sunken ships of claim 1 in which the transom includes pulley means thereon for guiding the cable from the arms of the grappling structure to the support vessels on each end of said transom.
 4. The structure for salvaging sunken ships of claim 1 and including winch means positioned on each of the support vessels having a plurality of winch drums, one for each cable, for operating the cables of the first and second set.
 5. The structure for salvaging sunken ships of claim 1 in which the second set of cables are connected to the grappling arms on the opposite side of the pivot point from the cable of the first set.
 6. The structure for salvaging sunken ships of claim 1 and including winch means positioned on said support vessels for individual cables in each set with the cables of the second set being adapted to primarily hold and raise said grappling structure with the cables of the first set being adapted to pivot the grappling arms of the grapple structure.
 7. The structure for salvaging sunken ships of claim 4 in which the transom means include a plurality of spaced parallel channels having pulley means therein with cables from each grappling arm being directed over pulley means in said separate channels and with the pulley means being spaced apart the same spacing as the respective arms in the support frame of the grappling structure associated with each transom structure. 